Pellet Stove Outdoor Patio Heaters
Wood pellet patio heaters are a cost-effective and stylish heating option. They produce less ash, which reduces the chance of blocking or a fire in the chimney.
Pellet stoves have their pros and cons. Homeowners should weigh these aspects before making a final decision. Read on to learn more about these popular heating appliances.
Efficiency
Pellet stoves use solid combustible pellets about the size of rice grains or BBs. These pellets are typically compressed sawdust or other wood waste, however some are made from alternative biomass fuels like switchgrass, corn, or other agricultural waste. Most pellet stoves require an hopper that can hold between 35 and 130 lbs of fuel. A feeder device is used to drop the pellets into the combustion chamber to be burned and a fan system directing exhaust gases out through a vent pipe (typically through the side wall or through the roof).
Like other types of heating stoves, the efficiency of a pellet stove depends on the way it is maintained and the quality of the fuel used. It is crucial to select only the best quality pellets, which must have low moisture content (below 10%) and high BTU output. The manufacturer's instructions should also be followed to adjust the setting of the feed rate as well as the settings for combustion air.
A good pellet stove will have a heat-exchanger constructed from stainless steel or cast iron with an internal combustion fan that moves the air from the room across the burner. This circulates warm room air and expels the gases through small flue pipes or chimney that is directed upwards through the ceiling or out from the sidewall. A professional installer can help you select the best ventilation system for your home and then install it correctly.
While the EPA has eliminated the default efficiency ratings it gave to stoves in 2015 a few manufacturers still publish verified efficiency on their showroom hangtags. These numbers could be misleading. Look for an item that has been verified by the EPA to ensure you get an accurate efficiency rating. This information will be printed on a label that is located on the top and bottom of the firebox that is visible. The majority of pellet stoves are between 70 and 75% efficient. Some have a gravity-feed system that refills the fire with fresh pellets, without requiring electricity. This removes the need to clean the hopper, and also reduces ash volume, making maintenance easier.
Convenience
Pellet stoves offer a lot of heat and are easy to use. They also require less maintenance than other types of heating sources. These stoves are an excellent option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The pellets are created from waste materials and wood that would otherwise be thrown away. Additionally, the pellets themselves are a renewable source of energy and produce very little emissions when in comparison to other types of stoves.
The smoke from a stove that produces pellets can be emitted by an existing chimney. Pellet stoves can be ducted into your heating system to provide a backup source of heat in colder weather.
Pellet stoves can last up to 12 hours with just one "batch". A single pellet stove will provide enough warmth to heat your entire home. They are a cost-effective alternative to traditional fireplaces.
The combustion process is highly efficient, and a lot of models can boast an energy efficiency rating of up to 96 percent. This is due to the high-density, low-moisture fuel pellet stoves utilize. In addition, many models come with an automatic fuel feed system that refills the fire without the necessity of electricity. This feature eliminates the auger and fan which can cause issues with other types of stoves.
In addition to the convenience of pellet stoves, the flames can be controlled via the fan speed and heat settings. This offers you a variety of options to meet your preferences. You can even take advantage of the flames at night without producing excessive heat.
Pellet stoves are energy efficient, but they still require electricity to run their automated features like the hoppers, fan, and digital controls. It is essential to have a plan to ensure that you have a backup heating source in the event of a power outage. Many pellet stoves come with battery backup systems that keep them operating but it's also recommended to have generators in place in case of an emergency.
Cleanliness
Pellet stoves are an excellent option to cut down on heating costs. They use a renewable fuel, compressed sawdust or other wood waste. They also emit little or no smoke, which reduces the amount of indoor and outdoor air pollution and require little supervision while burning. Pellet stoves also utilize an extremely high temperature combustion process to remove creosote that can block vents.
To function safely and efficiently, a pellet stove needs regular maintenance. In the majority of owner's manuals, it's recommended that the basic maintenance of the user be done every week, along with thorough professional cleaning is required after each ton or pellets burned.
Wearing an eye mask and protective clothing is important when cleaning a stove. This will prevent dust accumulation, as well as scratches and abrasions on delicate surfaces. The first step of the cleanup is to sweep away dust and ash from the inside walls of the stove as well as outside the vent pipe. Open the ash pan in the event that it is located on the stove. Use a screwdriver or key to open it and empty it. If the stove has glass windows, remove them and wipe down the surface. You can also use a glass cleaner on any stained areas. Be sure to follow the label instructions.
A pellet stove must be kept from rusting. The kiln-dried wood fibers utilized in the making of pellets attract and absorb water from the air which could result in rusting on the inside walls of the stove. To prevent this from happening, you should sweep out any pellets that aren't burning completely after you've finished using the stove, especially during the summer months, when temperatures are hot and humid.
You should also take care to avoid overfilling the pellet stove, as this could cause a fire hazard. If you have an air blower fan it is an ideal idea to check it regularly and ensure that it's functioning properly. In the end, you should get rid of any creosote that's built within the stove as it moves from its initial flaky and dry stage to a sticky, oil-like state. This is dangerous to breathe and a fire hazard, so it is essential to wash the stove as soon as you begin to notice the formation of this chemical.
Safety
Pellet stoves must be properly installed to provide optimal security and performance. When installing affordable pellet stoves should be kept clear of furniture and combustibles. They should also be set close to an exterior wall in order to allow the exhaust to be vented directly to the outside. Carbon monoxide could leak into your home in the event that the stove's vents aren't functioning properly. This could cause serious health problems.
In addition, it is essential to keep children and pets away from the hot and smoldering surfaces of your pellet stove. Installing a fireplace gate is the most effective method to accomplish this. Additionally, you should regularly clean your stove to ensure it is looking its best and to prevent combustible buildup from forming. It is also important to clean your stove's hopper and feed areas regularly to ensure they are free of obstructions.
Making sure you are following the recommended cleaning and maintenance tasks is vital for pellet stove outdoor safety. Before using your stove, you must read the instructions provided by your manufacturer. By doing this, you will help reduce the risk of fire and avoid the need for costly repairs in the future.
Pellet stoves are designed to burn a specific kind of fuel, and it's important to stick with that brand to prevent damage to the appliance and potential fire hazards for your home. It is also recommended to use only high quality pellets, as lower-grade options can produce more smoke and require frequent cleaning.
When you purchase a new pellet stove, it's important to consult with an experienced expert for proper installation and ventilation. The installer will be able recommend a suitable location for your stove, and also ensure that it complies with local regulations. Furthermore, the installer should be able to install a CO (carbon monoxide) detector within 10 feet of the stove. This will notify you of any CO leaks that could pose a risk to your family.
Although pellet stoves are generally safer than traditional wood burning fireplaces however, they still release carbon monoxide as well as particulate matter into your indoor air. Fortunately, proper ventilation and regular cleaning can reduce these emissions and protect your family's health.